The New York Racing Association has announced two purse incentives for the upcoming 40-day meet at Saratoga, which begins on Friday, July 22.
For the first time, NYRA will pay $1,000 to the horses in every race that finish sixth through last. The regular purse split in Saratoga will be as follows: 60% to first, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth, and 4% to fifth. If the fifth-place value for any given race in Saratoga is less than $1,000, NYRA will supplement the difference.
Additionally, as was the case during the 2009 and 2010 Saratoga meets, any race that is taken off the turf and has eight or more betting interests when they leave the paddock will receive a 20% purse increase.
For example, if a race scheduled for the turf with a $41,000 purse is taken off the turf, and eight or more horses leave the paddock for the race, the purse will become $49,200.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer our horsemen these two purse incentives,” said NYRA vice president and director of racing P.J. Campo. “Hopefully, these bonuses will help create bigger fields, which will lead to better wagering opportunities for our customers and higher handle on our races.”
Saratoga will offer live racing six days a week, Wednesday through Monday, and all seven Saturdays during the meet will feature at least one grade I race.